Manicotti Beef or Turkey
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this irresistible Manicotti Beef or Turkey recipe, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Tender manicotti pasta shells are generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, blended with your choice of savory ground beef or lean ground turkey. Each shell is infused with the rich aroma of garlic and Italian seasoning, then nestled in a bath of luscious marinara sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection in under an hour, this hearty meal is impressive yet easy to make. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a truly satisfying Italian feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully integrated.
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Be gentle to avoid breaking the shells.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6714 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 245.6 g | 315% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.6 g | 568% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1008 mg | 336% | |
| Sodium | 7070 mg | 307% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 805.8 g | 293% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.7 g | 152% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.9 g | ||
| Protein | 337.7 g | 675% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 4670 mg | 359% | |
| Iron | 42.9 mg | 238% | |
| Potassium | 2744 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
